"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Several years ago, a popular women's magazine surveyed 3,000 Protestant clergy concerning their views on Christianity. The result of the survey was disheartening. A considerable number rejected the idea of a personal God. Many said God was nothing more than a force of life, a principle of love, and the ultimate reality. There was no mention of Jesus Christ or His death on Calvary's Cross as the atonement for mankind's sin. No promise of salvation by grace was recorded. No thought was given to the resurrection of Christ as a matchless demonstration of God's power over sin and death.

There is an identity crisis at work, not just in our lives but also in our churches. It comes as the result of our being willing to accept and even embrace other religions as being equal to Christianity. This false view has weakened our faith and has caused us to give up what we once held as dear: our godly convictions. So many in our society who claim to be Christians are suffering from an identity crisis because they are confused about their Christian faith. However, the Bible makes it clear.

A Christian is a person who has repented of his sins, surrendered his life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, and acknowledged that without Christ's death on the Cross, he would have gone to hell for eternity.

How do we avoid confusion and deception, especially when our world paints such pleasant pictures of sin and compromise?

Begin by being committed to the study of God's Word. Then, make sure the church you attend is one that teaches God's Truth without compromise and demonstrates true Biblical love. Finally, keep your heart soft toward the Lord through a regular lifestyle of worship, prayer, and repentance. God forgives and restores us when our hearts are turned toward Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me not to be swayed by the deceptions and temptations of this world. Help me to cling to Your Truth today and every day! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.